William & Mary is set to become the first public university in Virginia to offer a bachelor’s degree in marine science. The Board of Visitors at the school recently passed a resolution to establish the new undergraduate program, which aligns with the existing work at the university.
Currently, William & Mary already has master’s and doctoral programs in marine science through its Virginia Institute of Marine Science located at Gloucester Point. This institute also conducts research for state policymakers. Provost Peggy Agouris expressed that the proposed program aims to provide undergraduate students with a chance to pursue impactful careers in coastal and marine science.
The demand for a marine science program is evident from the Academic Common Market, which offers in-state tuition to students who seek degrees not offered by public colleges in their own states. Marine science was identified as the top sought-after program in the southeast region of the market, signaling the need for such programs.
In 2010, William & Mary introduced a minor in marine science, and interest in these courses has significantly increased over the past five years according to a university news release. The rise in interest is believed to be driven by urgent issues faced by coastal and marine communities worldwide, including Virginia’s extensive coastline, rapid sea-level rise, and economic dependence on resources from the Chesapeake Bay.
The envisioned undergraduate program at William & Mary would involve an immersion semester at VIMS for students during their junior year to engage in research and internships. The university is currently developing a proposal to submit to the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia with hopes of launching the program in fall 2025.
